Investigation of antibiotic resistance and the presence of integron genes among ESBL producing Klebsiella isolates

Abstract

Klebsiella is an opportunistic human pathogen and responsible for many of nosocomial infections. Gram-negative bacteria can acquire antibiotic resistance genes through several mechanisms including integrons. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance pattern, and class 1–3 integrons in clinical isolates of Klebsiella among Iranian patients. From March to September 2016, plasmid DNA of 169 Klebsiella isolates was extracted after determining their resistance pattern and ESBL production by disk diffusion method. The presence of class 1–3 integrons was detected by targeting integrase genes with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Out of 169 Klebsiella, 41.1% of Klebsiella pneumoniae and 18.2% of Klebsiella oxytoca isolates were ESBL-positive. The most resistance rate in both species was against ampicillin. Class 1 and 2 integrons were detected in 15.8% and 5.9% of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, respectively. In case of K. oxytoca, class 1 and 2 integrons were positive equally in 18.2% of isolates. The results of our study showed a significant association between the presence of integrons and antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of Klebsiella. Drug-resistant Klebsiella strains complicate the management and treatment of nosocomial infections, hence prudent use of antibiotics therapy and effective control measures of infection are mandatory.